what does your a1c mean
Asked by: CuriousPatient123
Community Answer
Answered by Dr. Emily 🩺
Your A1C, also known as Hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c, is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. It provides a broader picture of your blood sugar control compared to daily glucose tests, which only show a snapshot of your levels at a specific moment.
What Do A1C Results Mean?
- Normal: Below 5.7%
- Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
- Diabetes: 6.5% or above
Why Is A1C Important?
- Diagnosis: It helps diagnose prediabetes and diabetes.
- Monitoring: For people with diabetes, it shows how well their condition is managed.
- Goal Setting: Most people with diabetes aim for an A1C below 7%, but your doctor may set a different target based on your health.
How Does It Work?
Glucose in your blood attaches to hemoglobin in red blood cells. The A1C test measures the percentage of hemoglobin coated with sugar. Since red blood cells regenerate every 3 months, the test reflects your average blood sugar over that period.
Factors Affecting A1C Accuracy
Certain conditions or factors can affect A1C results, such as:
- Anemia or blood disorders
- Kidney or liver disease
- Pregnancy
- Medications like opioids or HIV drugs
Always discuss your results with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.